Walkers on Defense Forces' training grounds told to pay attention
The more the sun shines, the more people wander on to the training grounds of the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF). The organization is warning people to keep their eyes open, to follow instructions - and to make sure an exercise is not taking place when they enter.
Maj. Joonas Jürisaar, Commander of the Support Command Training Field Services, said walking on training grounds marked with white posts is allowed outside of school hours but it is forbidden to go to an area marked with yellow signs at any time as there may be unexploded ordnance.
"If a person gets into the practice fields, they have to take into account they could walk into the middle of a battle, they can get into a dangerous area that could endanger their life. Of course, there can also be tactical exercises. If they enter an area with unexploded ordnance and see a sign that says they are not allowed to go further, they should not continue, because it is definitely dangerous for human life," said Maj. Jürisaar.
Jürisaar said people's apologies when they stumble in the middle of combat are different, but the usual excuse is they did not see a sign.
Jaak Janno, head of the rescue area of the Rescue Board (Päästeamet) in Lääne-Viru County, warned people how to behave in the forests at this time of year.
"It's one thing to behave as instructed by the EDF. You have to be careful: if the flags are up, you can't come in. But if we're talking about the forest in general, the use of open fire in dry weather must be ruled out, is what we recommend to people, "said Janno.
Although EDF deminers clean the training fields regularly, they may still contain explosives or munitions. Explosives found in training fields must not be touched and must be reported to 112.
Further information can be obtained from the Defense Forces' manoeuvre website www.mil.ee (link in Estonian).
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Editor: Helen Wright